Pentland Hills Regional Park Edinburgh
Escape the city bustle for rugged hills, stunning Edinburgh views, and charming Highland cows. A natural playground on Edinburgh's doorstep.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Astonishing sky colors
Pentland Hills Regional Park Edinburgh
Best Time
Astonishing sky colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Escape the city bustle for rugged hills, stunning Edinburgh views, and charming Highland cows. A natural playground on Edinburgh's doorstep.
"Amazing views, best to go during golden hour - just before sunrise - colours in the sky are astonishing!"
🎯 Bus is Best! 🚌
Skip parking hassles! Lothian Buses 10, 4, or 44 are great options.
🐄 Highland Cow Spotting
Look between Caerketton & Allermuir for a chance to see them!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Caerketton & Allermuir Hills
Breathtaking vistas of Edinburgh and beyond. Best enjoyed during golden hour for magical skies.
Highland Cows
Between Caerketton & Allermuir Hills
Encounter Scotland's iconic shaggy residents in their natural habitat. A delightful surprise for visitors.
Alpine Rollercoaster
Hillend Ski Centre
An exhilarating downhill ride offering thrills and fun for all ages. A unique adventure in the hills.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There Without a Car
Best Views & Highland Cows
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bus is Best! 🚌
Skip parking hassles! Lothian Buses 10, 4, or 44 are great options. +1
🐄 Highland Cow Spotting
Look between Caerketton & Allermuir for a chance to see them! +1
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Warm, waterproof boots are recommended, especially in winter.
💨 Wind Can Be Fierce
Be prepared for strong winds, they can be more challenging than snow.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bus is Best! 🚌
Skip parking hassles! Lothian Buses 10, 4, or 44 are great options. +1
🐄 Highland Cow Spotting
Look between Caerketton & Allermuir for a chance to see them! +1
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Warm, waterproof boots are recommended, especially in winter.
💨 Wind Can Be Fierce
Be prepared for strong winds, they can be more challenging than snow.
🗺️ Use Walking Guides
Walkhighlands website is a great resource for routes and maps.
☕ Post-Walk Pub Stop
Flotterstone Inn or The Stables Bar are great for a refuel.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty and breathtaking views of Edinburgh available from the Pentland Hills. The opportunity to see Highland cows and enjoy peaceful walks are frequently highlighted positives. Some mention the limited parking and the potential for challenging weather conditions.
"Such a beautiful park! It's almost 1.5 miles if you start on the track, but you can even go off-road into the trees. It was so relaxing hearing the birds and the small stream that runs along it. We even climbed a hill on the side all the way up. Lots of benches on the way to sit and have picnics! Would recommend going here for a break from city life!"
Areej
"Lovely new cafe open for 3 weeks with good food drink and cake"
Stuart Davis
"Amazing views, best to go during golden hour - just before sunrise - colours in the sky are astonishing!"
Bzdzich Bzdzichowski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way is by Lothian Buses. Bus number 10 goes to Bonaly, bus number 4 goes to Hillend Ski Centre, and bus number 44 goes to Balerno. Check the Lothian Buses website for the most up-to-date timetables and routes. +1
Parking can be very limited and busy, especially on good weather days. It's often recommended to arrive early or use public transport to avoid disappointment.
To reach areas with great city views like Caerketton and Allermuir, consider taking bus number 4 to Hillend Ski Centre, which offers a steep but rewarding climb.
Yes, there are several route options for a 2-2.5 hour walk between Bonaly and Swanston. You can use OpenStreetMap or the Walkhighlands website for detailed guidance.
For walks around reservoirs like Harlaw and Threipmuir, consider taking the number 44 bus to Balerno. You can also take the number 10 bus to Bonaly for access to reservoirs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Pentland Hills Regional Park is a public space and does not require tickets for entry. You can explore its vast landscapes freely.
The park is open year-round, from dawn till dusk. Specific facilities like the cafe or visitor centers may have their own operating hours.
Yes, there is a fee for the Alpine Rollercoaster at Hillend Ski Centre. Prices can vary, with options for single rides or multi-ride packages.
While there aren't typically formal guided tours, local running groups or outdoor clubs sometimes organize events. Check local listings or community boards.
Yes, dogs are welcome in Pentland Hills Regional Park, but they must be kept under control, especially around livestock and wildlife.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular routes include the climb up Caerketton and Allermuir for city views, walks around Harlaw and Threipmuir reservoirs, and longer trails connecting multiple hills. The Walkhighlands website is an excellent resource for detailed route planning. +1
Caerketton and Allermuir hills are renowned for offering some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Edinburgh.
Yes, the Alpine Rollercoaster at Hillend Ski Centre is a hit with families. Gentle walks around the reservoirs and spotting wildlife like Highland cows are also great for kids.
Layers are key! Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, especially if conditions are wet or icy. Bring a waterproof jacket and trousers, and be prepared for wind.
While generally safe, winter conditions can be challenging. Be aware of ice and wind. Strap-on crampons or microspikes can be helpful on icy patches, and always check the weather forecast.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a lovely new cafe open for food, drinks, and cake. Additionally, pubs like the Flotterstone Inn and The Stables Bar are popular spots for a meal after a walk.
Absolutely! There are many scenic spots and benches throughout the park perfect for a picnic. Remember to take all your litter with you.
The new cafe offers good food, drinks, and cake, making it a convenient stop for refreshments during your visit.
Yes, the Flotterstone Inn is located near the Flotterstone car park, and The Stables Bar is another popular option, both offering a welcoming atmosphere after a hike.
It's best to bring your own snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited to the cafe and nearby pubs. Ensure you carry enough water for your hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The summits of Caerketton and Allermuir offer stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh, perfect for landscape photography. The reservoirs also provide beautiful reflections and scenic backdrops.
Golden hour, just before sunrise or after sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography, with astonishing colors in the sky.
Yes, Highland cows are often seen in the park, particularly between Caerketton and Allermuir hills. Remember to maintain a safe distance and respect their space.
The main viewpoints on Caerketton and Allermuir are highly recommended. Many visitors also enjoy capturing the serene beauty of the reservoirs like Harlaw and Threipmuir.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and city views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions during golden hour.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many of the bus routes provide easy access to gentler walking paths suitable for little legs. Consider routes around the reservoirs or shorter loops that offer beautiful scenery without being too strenuous. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and check the weather forecast before you go.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Pack your own picnic lunch and snacks to save money on dining out. There are plenty of scenic spots to enjoy your meal amidst nature. If you do fancy a treat, the new cafe or local pubs offer reasonably priced options.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the charming Highland cows – they make for iconic Scottish imagery. The serene reservoirs also offer beautiful reflections and atmospheric shots, especially during misty mornings or calm evenings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Pentland Hills by Public Transport
Many visitors find that starting from a bus stop like Bonaly or Balerno allows for a more relaxed approach to exploring the hills, avoiding the potential stress of finding limited parking. The bus routes connect you to various trailheads, enabling you to plan point-to-point walks or loops that suit your fitness level and desired duration.
For those who prefer a more structured approach, the Walkhighlands website offers detailed route descriptions and maps that often include public transport access information, making it easier to plan your adventure from start to finish.
Chasing Highland Cows and City Panoramas
Complementing the wildlife encounters are the breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh. The summits of Caerketton and Allermuir hills are prime locations for soaking in these vistas. Many visitors recommend timing your visit for the 'golden hour' – the period shortly before sunrise or after sunset – when the sky erupts in a spectacular display of colors, offering photographers and sightseers alike an unforgettable spectacle.
Beyond these highlights, the park offers numerous other scenic spots, including its tranquil reservoirs like Harlaw and Threipmuir, which provide serene settings for a peaceful walk or a picnic. The variety of landscapes ensures there's something to captivate every visitor.
Winter Walks and Safety in the Pentlands
The wind is often a more significant factor than snow or ice in the Pentlands. Be sure to check the wind forecast and dress in layers, including windproof outer gear. While crampons and ice axes might seem like overkill for the Pentlands, they can be useful on specific icy routes. However, the snow here often doesn't lie long enough to form a solid base for such equipment.
Always inform someone of your hiking plans, including your intended route and expected return time. Stick to marked paths where possible, and be aware of your surroundings. The beauty of the Pentlands in winter is undeniable, but safety should always be the top priority.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit